EDUCATIONAL AND PROFESSIONAL TRAJECTORIES OF GRADUATES OF VOCATIONAL EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS OF UKRAINE UNDER STRESSOGENIC CONDITIONS

Abstract

The article analyses the educational and professional trajectories of graduates of vocational education institutions under the conditions shaped by the COVID-19 pandemic and martial law. The aim of the study is to identify age- and gender-related differences in combining study and work, participation in motivational training, continuation of education, job-search strategies, and involvement in household and family responsibilities. The empirical basis comprised 186 graduates of vocational education institutions in the Mykolaiv region. The findings show that participation in motivational programmes, actual employment, and independent job search tend to increase in older age groups, whereas the youngest respondents demonstrate lower employment rates. At the same time, a high orientation toward continuing education and a considerable involvement of some graduates, especially women, in household responsibilities were identified. The practical value of the study lies in substantiating the need for institutional support through career counselling, motivational programmes, and stress-management training within vocational education institutions.